QUEZON CITY Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr., Vice Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista, Majority Floor Leader and 4th District Councilor Ariel Inton together with Councilor Bayani Hipol hailed and welcome the newest hero in town, Quezon City's son Antonio “Ga-Ga” Gabica-the first Filipino gold medalist in the recent 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 in Qatar.
At the Flag ceremony Monday in front of City Hall attended by the whole council and employee and big number of Quezon City folks, Mayor Belmonte hailed Gabica's heroics in Doha and told him that Quezon City is very proud for his victory in billiard that gave the country its breakthrough in gold harvest in Doha and put the Philippines in map of the winners tally in the quadrennial sports event.
“You made not only Quezon City very proud but our country the Philippines as a whole. You showed to our Asian neighbors that Filipinos can excel in any sports arena.” Mayor Belmonte told Gabica who residing city's 4th District in Teacher's Village.
“For his outstanding performance in billiards event, capturing gold and silver, has given an exemplary honor to Quezon City.” added vice mayor Bautista.
The 34-year-old Gabica, the newest Asian Games 9-ball singles pool event champion and a silver medalist in the 8-ball division accompanied by Bugsy promotion head businessman/ sportsman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, BPLO head Pacifico Maghakot and Gabica's wife Jean on the other hand acknowledge the support and prayers extended to him and bowed to give more prestige for the country and his beloved town Quezon City.
Inton, in his part exemplified Gabica's feat as an athlete who is a product of a good and comprehensive sports management that's why in return he produced mayhem on a very prestigious event for Filipino's pride.
“Gabica is a product of a systematic sports management. No wonder he's now a winner and a champion. Our sports officials must pay attention in this concept to produce more golden athletes and world champions.” Inton said.
Inton, a well known sports advocate also said the Council is passing a resolution giving Quezon City athletes and 2006 Philippine World Pool Champion Ronato “Volcano” Alcano special support particularly their future international competitions.
Gabica along other medalist athlete pay a courtesy call Tuesday to Her Excellency Republic of the Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang Palace. Gabica, the most outstanding Doha games Filipino athlete received cash incentives of P2.3 million from President Arroyo.
